Mind over matter for Owen

Michael Owen has revealed the inner mental strength which drove him on to regain the form which made him England's deadliest finisher of the modern era.

Owen scored three goals in the two recent Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Russia after finally overcoming a knee ligament injury and in doing so became only the fourth player to score 40 goals for his country after Jimmy Greaves, Sir Bobby Charlton and Gary Lineker.

"Did I ever doubt I would come back? No, never," said Owen. "I'm very strong mentally. There might be a lot of people who've got a lot more skill than me - but not many people who are as mentally as strong as me."

The Newcastle United striker added: "When it comes to beating long-term injuries or lack of form or criticism, I've got a thicker skin than anyone. I never doubted I'd be back.

"I went to see the best surgeon in the world (Colorado-based Dr Richard Steadman). I had the best rehabilitation you could ever ask for and between my ears is the willpower and a strong mind to come back better than ever. I don't think anyone can say I've come back worse than before."

Owen is full of praise for the contribution of fellow England forward Emile Heskey, whose deft flick set him up for the second decisive goal against the Russians.

He said: "Emile has played really well. He has come back from a long time out of the England team. In both games he played particularly well.

"A standing ovation in both games when he came off said it all. I'm really pleased for him. I don't think anyone becomes a bad player overnight no matter what people say - but everyone knows what it is like with England.

"If you have a couple of bad results it's 'Bring in the new guard' and then if you have a couple of bad results it's 'Go back to the older players'."